Mr Long said it was “very special and fitting” that people would be able to see one of the world renowned architect’s lost interiors in the 150th anniversary year of his birth.

Mr Kuma, whose winning design for the £80.1 million building was selected from more than 100 entries, said his aim was to reconnect the city with nature, and he took inspiration from the cliffs of Scotland’s north east coast.

There are 300 exhibits in the free-to-enter Scottish Design Galleries. Credit: PA

Broad views of the Tay can been enjoyed from the outdoor terraces and restaurant at the museum, which has been built into the water to resemble the prow of a ship.

Mr Kuma said: “The big idea for V&A Dundee was bringing together nature and architecture, to create a new living room for the city.

“I hope the museum can change the city and become its centre of gravity. I am delighted and proud that this is my first building in the UK and that people will visit it from around the world.”

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend an event at the museum on Friday, with thousands more visiting on Saturday for a festival along the waterfront.

The project was funded by the Scottish Government, the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland, Dundee City Council, the UK Government, Scottish Enterprise, University of Dundee, Abertay University and a private fundraising campaign.

The Scottish Design Galleries. Credit: PA

Council leader John Alexander said tourism figures for the year to April 2018 had shown a 9.8% increase in overnight stays.

This is on the back of the “energy, excitement and attraction” created by V&A Dundee and everything it represents, he said.

Earlier this year the city was selected as a top European destination by travel guide Lonely Planet which cited the opening of the museum.